Holland College has expanded to include an Aerospace and Industrial Technology Centre in response to the growing demand for aerospace workers in Prince Edward Island. The $5.5 million Aerospace and Industrial Technology Centre in Slemon Park was officially opened recently by representatives from the Governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island, Holland College and Slemon Park Corporation.
The Honourable Pierre S. Pettigrew, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada; the Honourable Pat Binns, Premier of Prince Edward Island; Dr. Brian McMillan, Director of Program Operations Holland College; and Mike Everett, President of the Slemon Park Development Corporation joined together to open the new 52,000 square foot facility.
Canada's Aerospace industry is approaching 20 billion dollars in annual sales, and Canada will soon be the fourth largest player in the world market. The Honourable Pierre S. Pettigrew, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada, commenting on the important contribution the P.E.I. Aerospace and Industrial Technology Centre will make to this industry, stated, "The growing aerospace industry is currently experiencing labour shortages locally, nationally and internationally. This project is an investment in the training needs of an industry whose economic benefits will be felt not only in Prince Edward Island, but across Canada as well."
Six years ago P.E.I. did not have an aerospace industry. Today, it provides 340 islanders with year round, full-time employment.
"This is an indication of the success of our Island's aerospace industry," said Premier Binns. "Sales for this industry now account for 20% of our international exports. We are proud to be part of the growth in this vibrant sector."
The Government of Canada is supporting this project to address the training needs of the aerospace industry. The new aviation training institute will develop and deliver high quality, effective training and education programs. This expansion is expected to attract new aerospace industries and foster profitable, long-term growth of the aerospace industry in Prince Edward Island. Five more employees will be hired immediately, and the project is expected to create 120 more indirect opportunities.
The opening of the new, state-of-the-art education facility in Slemon Park, will bring many benefits to the Island's aerospace industry. New educational programs to be offered at the facility will provide specialized training for Islanders, thereby creating a larger pool of skilled workers who can assist in the industry's growth.
Mike Everett, President of Slemon Park Corporation stated, "We are gaining recognition in our niche within the aerospace sector. The comprehensive training offered at Holland College adds credibility to students graduating from the program and provides PEI's aerospace industry with a stream of trained workers."
Thirty-one students started classes at the Aerospace and Industrial Technology Centre in January and are receiving training in areas where opportunities for employment exist. Beginning in September, the College will offer five programs at the Centre, including: Aircraft Maintenance Technology; Electrical; Electromechanical Technology; Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology and Machinist. "The Aerospace Centre provides an ideal opportunity for College students to enjoy training, housing and recreational facilities all within walking distance of each other," commented Dr. Brian McMillan, Director of Program Operations for Holland College.
Funding for the project, including leasehold improvements and operating assistance, total over $6.7 million. Funding of nearly $2.4 million was provided through the Canada /PEI Labour Market Development Agreement, which is co-managed by the PEI Department of Development, and Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC). Slemon Park and Holland College together contributed $2 million. A further $950,000 came from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and another $950,000 from the Canada/Prince Edward Island Regional Economic Development Agreement, which was provided jointly by ACOA and the Government of PEI on a 70/30 cost sharing basis. HRDC also provided $500,000 under its Transitional Jobs Fund.
This project supports the Government of Canada's Jobs Strategy. The Jobs Strategy is based on strengthening economic fundamentals and establishing a favourable climate for job creation by making strategic investments in areas where the government can make a difference.
For more information, contact Kandace Ling, Labour Market Development Agreement, (902) 368-6574.